Kingsport search nets crack cocaine, four arrests

Staff report
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Apr 19, 2019 at 10:15 AM

KINGSPORT — The execution of a search warrant has located more than an ounce of crack cocaine and spurred felony charges against four men, according to police.

At about 11:30 Thursday morning, members of the Kingsport Police Department Vice and Narcotics Unit descended on 814 Myrtle St. and deployed flash bang grenades to clear the home, while the street was briefly closed to traffic.

According to KPD Public Information Officer Tom Patton, the actions were part of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking. Four men were located at the home and arrested. They have been identified as Sanford Hodge Jr., 58; Gunnar L. Smith, 60; Erwin O. Lewis, 44; and Whalen M. Carpenter, 55.

All of the suspects were charged with sale and delivery of over 26 grams of a Schedule II drug within 1,000 feet of a city park, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, maintaining a dwelling for controlled substance use or distribution and possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia.

Hodge, Lewis and Carpenter were additionally charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Hodge was also charged with simple possession of marijuana, while Lewis was wanted on preexisting warrants.